Queues of up to half a mile welcomed shoppers in Kent this morning as stores opened for the first time in three months – with one retailer proving particularly popular.

This was the scene outside Broadstairs' Westwood Cross where Primark fans were eager to grab a bargain. There were even rumours some had camped outside overnight.

Across the county one-way systems are in place, hand sanitiser stations have been installed and CCTV will be monitoring queues.

In Strood people wanting to go to their banks were met with 45-minute waits in the sweltering heat, while earlier Sports Direct fanatics found themselves joining what was quite possibly the county's longest queue – measuring half a mile at its height.

Barclays and Nationwide customers were snaking between each other, with people getting confused about which queue to join.

One woman from Rochester said she would never queue for anything that wasn't essential - "Why are people queueing up for clothes, what's the point?" she asked.

In Maidstone, the Street Pastors, who are used to nursing drunken revellers in the town centre, were getting to grips with a different kind of clientele this morning.

Coordinator Nigel Downes and Ian McWalter had been asked to help by the police and Maidstone Council. He said there was "apprehension” about how the day would go from authorities.

“It’s an unknown. We didn’t know what the mood was going to be, if people are getting angry in lines. Hopefully we can bring a bit of calm in the streets.

“I thought there were going to be a lot more people around. At the moment everything seems calm and organized.”

One woman queuing outside Zara who did not want to be named joked she had been having “withdrawal symptoms” from the shops and was looking forward to browsing the sales. She said it was a “bit weird” to be back in the high street after so long.

Primark has been popular across the county and Maidstone was no different.

Pregnant mum Amy Standon, 24, had just been to buy new clothes for her four-year-old who is on a “growth spurt” and her unborn baby, due in October.

She said:“I wanted to go to Primark because there were a lot of sizes I couldn’t get online. I was only queuing for five minutes to get in, they did alright to be fair.”

Her eldest has chronic asthma and so she says coming to town today has been “quite scary” for the kids, but they have been making sure they keep their distances from people. He is currently off school as it was deemed too risky, with his asthma and her pregnancy.

“It’s been quite busy, I thought it would be a lot busier.”After the bank, Ms Standon was returning to her Shepway home.

The break in trading has allowed one store owner to change the way she runs her business. Sam Page, who runs schoolwear shop Pages, has had a quiet first morning back but her new website has been picking up the slack.

She said during the pandemic her business has completely changed, with the website being the main focus now.

At the shop, customers are not able to touch clothes before they try them on or browse stock themselves, instead a member of staff fetches the clothes while customers stand in booths made from shower curtains.

The two parents who did come in this morning were very understanding about the new rules, Sam said. “One was worrying about whether she can put her keys on the counter. She was worrying about what she can touch. It’s all very new for everybody.”

Sarah Bird, 43, a security guard who commutes in on the bus, said “The bus this morning was okay, it was not much busier than normal but not everyone was wearing masks. One guy had his jacket collar over his mouth the rest were wearing them but some removed them after they sat down.”

Shoppers were also waiting outside Whitefriars in Canterbury, while the city's Primark had unlocked its doors before 9m and shoppers were queueing back into Rose Lane. Zara and Sports Direct were also proving popular.

Richard Head from County Clothes is preparing to reopen tomorrow.

The 40-year-old owner, who has been there since 16, will be holding personal shopping sessions for booking customers every morning and is only allowing three people in at a time.

Caroline Hicks from the city council said the authority was monitoring how things go today to see if they need to change their back-to-the-shops strategy.

It was so far so good, she said, with customers following the rules. She added that she expected it to get busier as the day progressed.

While Jane, 74, who was queueing outside Boots to get her hands on a mouthwash that wasn't available anywhere else said she was "frightened" and would only be staying out for a short period.

"When I get home I will be sanitising my car and my shopping," said the masked and gloved shopper.

Claire Pitcher, 37, was queueing for Primark in the city.

She said: "I just dropped my son off at school and I wasn't going to but I saw the queue was not too bad.

"I've been buying clothes from Poundland during lockdown which were OK actually. I have definitely missed the shops but I was not beside myself. I will probably go to Wilkos after this."

One eager shopper in Gravesend was seen queuing for Primark at 7.30am but was soon joined by dozens of others, with around 100 people backed up around the corner from New Road to Princes Street.

The store opened its doors early so customers could browse before the tills opened, and all those entering were asked to sanitise their hands inside.

Out on the street a steady trickle of shoppers returned to the town, although some stores still remain closed. Debenhams and Greggs are both expected to open later this week, while Tesco remains open as it has throughout lockdown.

In nearby Dartford many were pleased to see a busy town centre but some voiced concerns.

Barry Clarke, 72, from Merryweather Close, said he wouldn’t be shopping in recently reopened high street outlets, adding: “It doesn’t affect me as long as I can get to Sainsbury's. It’s good to see it busy in one way but I’m very apprehensive - there’s definitely going to be another spike."

Another fellow shopper, who didn’t want to be named, said he was also concerned.“I don’t know what to think frankly,” he said. “It depends whether there’s an upsurge in infections. I heard Dartford had the greatest volume of deaths in Kent so it’s been bad here.”

But Deborah Hall, 57, from Temple Hill, said she had no concerns about the shops being back open. “It’s fine,” she said. “I’m just doing some general shopping, and it’s nice to see it busy. It’s just nice to see it getting back up and running and to see propel out and about. I think it’s ok to do it now. People have been in the supermarkets all this time so I can’t see the problem.”

Council staff were on hand to field any questions while a hand sanitiser station had also been set up.

But in Ashford things were slower to get going. County Square Shopping Centre was practically empty at 9am.

Mathew Funnell said: "The shopping centre's deserted. Most of the lights are out in the car park and there's only about four cars in there.

"My wife and I are both key workers and we've only come in to get something we've ordered, as it's our day off."

The exception was Sports Direct which was swamped.

Simply Vape in the high street has been up and running for four weeks, with the shop reconfigured to comply with Covid-19 guidelines, and one employee thinks there will be a drop in customers as other stores open.

When asked how business has been, Darren Kemp said: "Not bad, considering we've been the only vape shop open around here for weeks. Now everyone's re-opening, so we're expecting a little drop in customer numbers. The high street's been pretty busy considering everyone's supposed to have been staying at home."

Sittingbourne was quiet too as was the usually bustling centre of Deal.

Manager of Empire clothes shop in Sittingbourne High Street, Stuart Kay, said he’s implemented social distancing in his store.

He will be closing fitting rooms once they’ve been used until they are clean. Stock that’s been touched but not bought will be taken out and given a deep clean before going back on the rails. Customers will also be asked to use hand sanitiser and a Perspex screen is in place at the till.

He said: “We’re allowing two groups of people in at a time.“We don’t know whether it will be busy, we’re not too sure what to expect.“People could come and see us because they don’t want to go to the busier places like Primark. We’ll have to wait and see.”

It was a different story over the bridge in Sheerness where the town centre was busy with people struggling to make room for each other on pavements.

Shop owners say things are going to slowly get back to where they were but things seem to be improving.

Swale council has put signs and banners up along the high street reminding people to keep apart and stay safe.

A cordon has also been placed around parking machines in the hope it will prompt people to keep back while waiting for them to come available.

Meanwhile at Westwood Cross, in Broadstairs, lockdown had left some shoppers desperate for a new wardrobe.

Stood in the queue for Primark Hannah Hathaway said: "I lost a lot of weight during lockdown, three and a half stone - I have no knickers that fit me.

"I've come down to get a new wardrobe and get a bargain. Because it's cheap it seems sensible to come here to get some bits to keep me going for a few more months until I lose a bit more weight."

Rumours were circulating that people had been camping outside the discount giant from last night.

Anna Waters added: "I've got six kids and they need a summer wardrobe as they've grown out of everything.

"I've ordered bits online but it takes so long to arrive.

"They're not wearing school uniform either so I need clothes for each day for them."

Bargain hunters also waited to be let in to nearby Sports Direct – the queue getting so long it was snaking back on itself.

The rest of Westwood Cross was quite quiet and there were no queues at Next or Debenhams.

The centre is now one-way and benches have been taped off in some areas.

Waterstones opened its doors with staff in face masks, screens at the tills and hand sanitizer on the door.

Shoppers are able to browse freely and pick up books, but were being told should they have some in their hands but decide not to buy, they can place them on a trolley and they will be temporarily stored away.

In Debenhams, there are no samples of aftershave or perfume and not all brands are out on display.

In Margate the longest queue was at the cash point and many shops were not open.

At Bluewater, Kent's largest shopping centre, it was again Primark which was getting most attention, while queues also built outside sports retailer JD.

Queues outside Primark at Bluewater

In Tunbridge Wells book lovers have returned to their beloved Waterstones this morning and also seen some changes in store.

Hand sanitiser stations, a one way system and screens over the tills have been installed and a new system for browsing has been introduced.

Michael Venner, manager at Waterstones said: "We've got trolleys that we have got on each floor. We're still encouraging people to browse but if they do they put them to one side and we take them out of circulation. "It's been steady and the regulars are back which is lovely to see."

There were also long queues outside Sports Direct.

Couple Chris and Lisa Heritage were among those in search of bargains.

Chris, 40, said: "My wife works for the NHS at Maidstone Hospital so we've come to see if we can get anything with the 50% off. I'm hoping to get myself back into shape. There's not much organisation at the moment but hopefully they will get the hang of it soon."

Lisa, 38, added: "We were sent away because they're limiting the numbers in the queue and now we've come back."

Nick Daniel, 45, who lives near the High Street, took the opportunity to get his phone fixed which has been broken through lockdown.He said: "I've just dropped my phone off and I've got to wait 45 minutes for it to be fixed so I thought I would come and look around to see what's open.

"I don't need anything but I wanted to see what the vibe was like and I've got lots of time. I need a hair cut more than anything!"

Gloria Moody, 82, who lives near St James School, said: "I came to see if the library was open. I'll probably pop in to see if M&S is. I just wanted to see what is open, that's all I'm here for.

"It's marvellous shops are open, there are so many things I haven't been able to do. Another thing I'm looking forward to is charity shops reopening again."

Shoppers in Tonbridge were given a special welcome back from a Town Crier.

John Scholey was in the town with his wife Liz greeting those back on the high street.

He said: "People are delighted to be back. It's been great.

"There have been quite a few people around and hopefully they will get more confidence and the stores will become busier over time."

In nearby West Malling independent retailers welcomed shopped back – although several decided to remain closed.

Peter McDermott was standing outside Andrew Smith jewellers on High Street waiting to get his limited edition watch repaired, which had been inscribed with footballer Michael Owen’s signature.

The accessory, which was a birthday present from his wife seven years ago, had been broken since before lockdown and his first job today was getting it fixed.

The Leybourne man said: “The wife keeps saying 'don’t forget to go to the shop'. Everyone is out in force today. I’m retired and we walk up here most days.”

He said it was the busiest the high street had been since the pandemic but not fully back to normal.

Andrew Smith, who founded the store 31 years ago, says he was surprised by how busy his shop had been, with about 25 people coming in.

Only one customer is allowed in at a time and he says some have not been following the social distancing guidelines in the shop and leaning over the counter, and not staying behind the yellow line.

As a result he's purchased two more screens to go up on the counter this morning.

Mr Smith said: “I didn’t know it was going to be this busy because we were shut for so long.

“It’s been mainly watch batteries and strap repairs.

“We have had diamond earrings and pearl earrings bought for birthdays.”

A taxi driver was waiting for his first job of the day, positioned in a rank overlooking the high street.

The driver, who preferred to remain anonymous, said some days he doesn’t make any money.

“I am trying to be upbeat. I am hoping for some fares, I hope every day,” he said.

“The busiest place is Tesco and people come in their cars.”

There were several shops that are planning on opening later this week, such as Honee, a clothes shop and The Vintage Emporium.

Other shops such as Soles with Heart remained closed.

Monks & Co, a clothing store, announced it would not be reopening after the pandemic but will launch a website.

Anyone turning up in Sevenoaks for an early morning shop found themselves disappointed as very few outlets opened first thing.

While the car park at Bligh’s meadow- which still offers free parking after the council temporarily suspended charges during lockdown - seems to be filling up, most shops that are open at the moment are essential stores that have never shut.

There were definitely some signs of life, though, with shops due to open with updated hours later in the day.

High street fashion outlet Jigsaw is due to open at 11am.

And those making use of retailers that are already open are making sure to keep to the 2m rule, while many are wearing masks.

By midday things were starting to pick up.

Resident Kat James said: "I think that people are still quite wary about coming in and mixing with anyone, I only came in because I've got a mask to be honest, but it's nice to see people out and about."

In Folkestone town centre, manageable queues lined up outside the Post Office and WHSmith before they opened at 9am.

People stood apart as they waited to go in.

The Works, Superdrug, Poundstretcher and Boots are also open.

At the Grind n Bake coffee shop and bakery - which reopened today - people have to sanitise their hands before entering and can only pay with card. There is also a one-way system and all food has to be consumed off the premises.

In one-way Bouverie Place shopping centre customers queued for TKMaxx and Primark. JD Sports and Choice are also open.

In Chatham things at first appeared eerily quiet – the Pentagon Centre was practically empty – but any illusion of tranquility came crashing down when Primark loomed on the horizon, a long queue of chattering shoppers waiting to get their cut-price fashion fix.

Gaynor Swan and her daughter Rachel Swan had been standing outside the store since 8:30am, half an hour before the store opened.

The 47-year-old said: “I don’t have work today and she doesn’t have school so we thought why not?

“It’s crazy. We just thought it would just be at the front of the shop. We thought people in Chatham wouldn’t get up this early but it seems like everyone has a passion for Primark.

“If it takes too long, we’ll probably leave it.”

In Rochester a few small shops have opened their doors, though most remain closed.

The high street is quiet, with people wandering between coffee shops that are running a take-away service.Charity shops are still not open, including Oxfam, Demelza and Mind.

The window of Baggins Book Bazaar displays a sign explaining to customers that they are trading online. Some premises, like Platoon Stores, are operating temporarily reduced opening hours.

There are no queues anywhere, with some traders stood at their doors waiting for customers to arrive.

One resident, Phil, who was sat reading the paper, expected it to be much busier. He said: "I'm really surprised, there's not been a great deal of action at all.

"It was packed out yesterday though, The City Wall was open and serving beer from outside."

Several police vehicles have been patrolling since 9am.

In an effort to make the area safer for prospective shoppers, Medway Council has closed the high street to traffic between 10:30 and 3pm, including cyclists.

But one trader said the decision has affected his business.

Dave Rochester, who runs Copperfields furniture store, said his customers will only be able to load furniture early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

He said: "I'm going to have to tell people to come back after 3pm or when I'm closed, it's very difficult.

Dave has created a one-way system around his store, and is asking his customers to wear face masks.

Hempstead Valley was eerily quiet, despite many of the 50 shops reopening.

A handful of customers made their way through the centre using the one-way system, and shops had customer service advisers on the door.

The businesses accruing the longest queues were Santander and Sainsbury's, whereas other stores like Game and New Look sat empty.

M&S Foodhall was still the most popular shop of choice at Dover’s St James’ shopping outlet.

ShoeZone and The Entertianer had sprung back to business but only dribbles of customers filtered through.

Among them was Horst Gough who said it feels "great" to replace his slippers which he’s worn out during lockdown, and also be able to buy his wife a new pair of shoes.

Derek Aston, 54, from Dover was another delighted shopper having waited weeks to seek assistance with his mobile phone.

While second in line outside the newly reopened O2 store, he said: “I’m very relieved. I’ve been waiting weeks for it to reopen to get help. I got the bus down at 10am and I’ve been queuing for 20 minutes. It’s a little bit irksome queuing but I understand it’s necessary.”

A major pull to the site is Next which remains closed. A sign on its door says the retailer will reopen on Thursday, June 18.

Whitstable independent traders were over-the-moon to be able to welcome back customers.

Nicky Ingloldby, who runs The Clothes Horse and The Whiting Post, said: "We've already had quite a few customers who are keen to see our clothes and just feel better by treating themselves to a new dress."

Shoppers June Patterson, 88, and Pauline Keen,72, say it's "wonderful" to go shopping again and treated themselves to new tops and dresses.

Shoppers and traders in Whitstable

Business Secretary Alok Sharma confirmed last week that shops which had been closed since late March could resume trading as long as they have social distancing measures in place.

It's part of the government's continuing plan to kick-start the economy and limit the damage caused by lockdown.

Many of the county's biggest shopping centres have opted for a one-way system.

And just in case it all gets a bit confusing, many town centres are promising to have extra people on hand to help out and guide you in the right direction.

KMTV reported on Tonbridge preparing to welcome back shoppers

Zoos and wildlife parks will also be able to welcome visitors from today but hairdressers, beauty salons, nail bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, theatres and libraries must remain shut.

And just a reminder - if you're travelling to the shops on public transport, it is now mandatory to wear a face covering.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent